The Bible speaks of the veil in both literal and spiritual ways.
It represents separation—between God and humanity, between understanding and blindness, between truth and deception.
But the good news is that Scripture also speaks of the veil being lifted.
This lifting of the veil reveals God’s glory, His truth, and His plan for salvation.
From the tearing of the temple veil at Jesus’ crucifixion to the spiritual unveiling that happens when someone turns to Christ, the Bible shows that God desires to remove the barriers between Himself and His people.
Understanding what the Bible says about the veil being lifted helps believers see God more clearly and walk in the freedom of His truth.
The Veil in the Old Testament
The idea of the veil first appears in the Old Testament, particularly in the Tabernacle and later in the Temple.
When God instructed Moses to build the Tabernacle, He commanded that a thick curtain—or veil—be placed between the Holy Place and the Most Holy Place (Exodus 26:33).
The Most Holy Place, also known as the Holy of Holies, was where God’s presence dwelled.
Only the high priest could enter, and only once a year, on the Day of Atonement (Leviticus 16:2).
This veil symbolized separation between God and humanity due to sin.
People could not approach God freely because their sin created a barrier.
This veil reminded Israel that their relationship with God was limited under the old covenant.
The Veil Being Torn at Jesus’ Death
One of the most powerful moments in the Bible happens when Jesus dies on the cross.
At that very moment, something incredible occurred.
Matthew 27:50-51 says, “And when Jesus had cried out again in a loud voice, he gave up his spirit.
At that moment the curtain of the temple was torn in two from top to bottom.”
This was no small event.
The temple veil was massive—about 60 feet tall and several inches thick.
For it to be torn from top to bottom was a supernatural act of God.
The tearing of the veil signified that the separation between God and humanity had been removed.
Through Jesus’ sacrifice, people no longer needed a high priest to approach God.
His death made a way for all people to have direct access to God through faith in Him.
The lifted veil meant that the old barriers were gone, and a new way had been opened.
Spiritual Blindness and the Unveiling of Truth
The Bible also speaks of a spiritual veil that blinds people from seeing God’s truth.
Second Corinthians 3:14-16 says, “But their minds were made dull, for to this day the same veil remains when the old covenant is read.
It has not been removed, because only in Christ is it taken away.
Even to this day when Moses is read, a veil covers their hearts.
But whenever anyone turns to the Lord, the veil is taken away.”
Paul was explaining that many people could not understand God’s truth because a spiritual veil covered their hearts.
This veil represents spiritual blindness, preventing people from recognizing who Jesus is and what He has done.
But when someone turns to Christ, that veil is lifted.
Suddenly, they can see and understand God’s truth clearly.
This is why coming to faith in Christ is often described as having one’s eyes opened or being brought from darkness to light.
Seeing God’s Glory with an Unveiled Face
When the veil is lifted, people can experience God’s presence in a new and deeper way.
Second Corinthians 3:18 says, “And we all, who with unveiled faces contemplate the Lord’s glory, are being transformed into his image with ever-increasing glory, which comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit.”
Before Christ, Moses had to wear a veil after encountering God because the glory on his face was too much for the people to handle (Exodus 34:29-35).
But now, through Christ, believers no longer need a barrier.
They can experience God’s presence and reflect His glory.
This transformation is an ongoing process, as believers grow to become more like Christ through the work of the Holy Spirit.
The Lifting of the Veil in Understanding Scripture
Many people struggle to understand the Bible until they come to know Jesus.
This is because Scripture is spiritually discerned.
First Corinthians 2:14 says, “The person without the Spirit does not accept the things that come from the Spirit of God but considers them foolishness, and cannot understand them because they are discerned only through the Spirit.”
Before faith in Christ, there is a veil over a person’s heart and mind, making it difficult to grasp spiritual truths.
But when someone receives Christ, the Holy Spirit opens their understanding.
Suddenly, the Bible becomes alive, filled with meaning and direction.
The lifting of this veil allows believers to see God’s plan more clearly and to grow in wisdom.
The Future Lifting of the Veil
The Bible also speaks of a future day when the veil over all nations will be removed.
Isaiah 25:7-8 says, “On this mountain he will destroy the shroud that enfolds all peoples, the sheet that covers all nations; he will swallow up death forever.
The Sovereign Lord will wipe away the tears from all faces; he will remove his people’s disgrace from all the earth.
The Lord has spoken.”
This prophecy speaks of a time when God will remove all barriers, bringing His people into full and eternal communion with Him.
This will happen when Jesus returns and establishes His Kingdom.
At that time, all who believe in Him will experience the fullness of God’s glory without any separation.
Living in the Freedom of an Unveiled Life
Since the veil has been lifted for believers, they are called to live in that freedom.
Galatians 5:1 says, “It is for freedom that Christ has set us free.
Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery.”
Living with an unveiled face means walking in the truth, growing in faith, and rejecting anything that tries to separate believers from God’s presence.
It means not returning to old ways of legalism, guilt, or spiritual blindness.
Instead, it means embracing the grace and relationship that Christ has made possible.
This freedom is not just about knowing the truth but also living it out daily.
Final Thoughts
The lifting of the veil is one of the most powerful themes in the Bible.
From the tearing of the temple veil at Jesus’ death to the removal of spiritual blindness when someone turns to Christ, the message is clear—God desires to bring His people into full relationship with Him.
What once separated humanity from God has been removed through Jesus’ sacrifice.
Now, those who believe in Him can see His truth, experience His presence, and reflect His glory.
The lifting of the veil is an invitation to step into a deeper faith, free from barriers and full of the light of Christ.
Believers no longer have to live in darkness, confusion, or separation.
Through Jesus, they can live with unveiled faces, seeing and experiencing the fullness of God’s love and grace.